European Commission accuses carmakers of collusion

BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen “participated in a collusive scheme” over an eight-year period to...

BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen “participated in a collusive scheme” over an eight-year period to restrict development of emissions-reducing technology, the European Commission has alleged in a Statement of Objections.

The Statement of Objections against BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen (including Porsche and Audi) follows a long line of investigations and enforcement actions by the European Commission in the automotive industry, including, but separate to, those focused on cartels in the automotive parts sector and that in regard of defeat devices.

As the Commission made its 5 April announcement, BMW issued a statement saying that while it anticipated a fine being issued, which will likely exceed EUR 1 billion, it would “contest the Commission’s allegations with all legal means if necessary”.

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